Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Corrective ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, can reduce the appearance of prominent ears and correct other congenital ear abnormalities. The goal of most otoplasty is to set the ears back closer to the head or reduce the size of ears that are too large.

The best candidates for otoplasty are children aged 5 years and older. Ears are almost fully grown by that age. Because children can be teased about prominent ears, it is reasonable to correct the problem before it causes low self-esteem. The surgery can be performed on adults as well.

Your Consultation

A consultation for otoplasty includes an extensive evaluation and discussion of the patient’s expectations and concerns. The surgeons at Summit Medical Group are experienced with children and sensitive to their need to feel safe and secure. Your surgeon will review the patient’s medical history, evaluate the ears, and take photographs. He or she will discuss the surgery with you, including limits and risks, and recommend an approach for the best possible results.

The Procedure

Otoplasty may be performed in our office operating room suite or the hospital, depending on the patient’s age. Children usually receive general anesthesia, while adults may have the procedure under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

Surgery usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. During ear surgery, the ears are sculpted so that they are located closer to the head. Incisions are made behind the ears where the scars can be hidden.

Recovery and Results

Otoplasty patients receive thorough instructions about what to do to prepare for and recover from surgery. Most patients receive dissolvable stitches.

There may be some discomfort for a few days after surgery, but this can be managed with oral over-the-counter or prescription medications. A head dressing and head band may be required for a brief period to encourage proper healing, and some swelling may remain for several months. You can expect some bruising for a week or 2 after surgery. Some patients also report mild itching.

Although patients must limit certain activities for several weeks (especially anything that could bend the ears), almost all patients can return to school or work in about a week. Once swelling has fully resolved and healing is complete, the ears will have a much more natural appearance.

Call Summit Medical Group today at 908-277-8759 to make an appointment or for more information about how otoplasty can create normal-looking ears.